Powerful and extraordinaryThe new M1 Spitzing

Sebastian May

 · 18.07.2018

Powerful and extraordinary: the new M1 SpitzingPhoto: Florentin Vesenbeckh
Powerful and extraordinary: the new M1 Spitzing
M1 has long relied on the powerful TQ engine. Now the Spitzing Evolution appears in a modern guise. Integrated battery with 1050 watt hours, 120 Newton metres of torque, a real eye-catcher.

The next evolutionary stage: The M1 Spitzing Evolution follows in the footsteps of the somewhat outdated M1 Spitzing. 160 millimetres of suspension travel, a new geometry with a 66.5 degree steering angle and a steep 76.5 degree seat angle, as well as 2.6-inch tyres on 27.5-inch wheels as standard, are primarily intended to appeal to sporty all-mountain riders.

  The TQ HPR Drive motor with 120 Nm is the most powerful motor on the market - but also one of the heaviest.Photo: Florentin Vesenbeckh The TQ HPR Drive motor with 120 Nm is the most powerful motor on the market - but also one of the heaviest.  The removable bonnet makes maintenance and repair work on the engine easy.Photo: Florentin Vesenbeckh The removable bonnet makes maintenance and repair work on the engine easy.

The highlight of the M1 range for some years now has been the powerful TQ motor. 120 Newton metres of torque, paired with an integrated 880 watt-hour or, for an extra 400 euros, even 1050 watt-hour battery, make the drive one of the most powerful on the market. The TQ drive will also be used intensively by market leader Haibike in 2019albeit with a lower battery capacity. This will give a new boost to the motor's popularity.

  The integrated battery can be removed from the bottom of the down tube. The 880 Wh and 1050 Wh versions are the same weight and size.Photo: Florentin Vesenbeckh The integrated battery can be removed from the bottom of the down tube. The 880 Wh and 1050 Wh versions are the same weight and size.

However, the power of the drive system is also reflected on the scales. Although the battery is 400 grams lighter than its predecessor, at 5.4 kilograms it is still no lightweight. The total weight of the Spitzing Evolution should end up at around 25 kilograms. In view of the heavy motor and battery, this is a reasonable weight that M1 achieves with a full carbon frame.

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One frame, two models, three engine versions

The M1 Spitzing Evolution is available in two versions: the Spitzing Evolution and the more expensive Spitzing Evolution World Cup. Both models come with Magura MT5e brakes and Fox suspension, which promises fun on trickier trails. The tyre clearance, which allows the use of wide tyres up to 3 inches thick, also helps. Unfortunately, the bike comes without a dropper post as standard, but this can be upgraded as an option.

  Carbon down to the last detail: even the bellcrank is made of carbon fibre. The shock is hidden in the top tube.Photo: Florentin Vesenbeckh Carbon down to the last detail: even the bellcrank is made of carbon fibre. The shock is hidden in the top tube.
  The Fox Float DPX2 damper generates 160 millimetres of suspension travel and is designed to provide fine response and sufficient riding fun on demanding single trails.Photo: Florentin Vesenbeckh The Fox Float DPX2 damper generates 160 millimetres of suspension travel and is designed to provide fine response and sufficient riding fun on demanding single trails.  Spitzing relies on a gearshift sensor that takes away the engine power for a fraction of a second during the gearshift process. This is intended to make shifting smoother and protect the drivetrain.Photo: Florentin Vesenbeckh Spitzing relies on a gearshift sensor that takes away the engine power for a fraction of a second during the gearshift process. This is intended to make shifting smoother and protect the drivetrain.

M1 Sporttechnik specialises in the S-pedelec sector. In addition to the mountain bike pedelec version, the Spitzing Evolution is also available in an S-pedelec version with 500 watts and a maximum speed of 45 km/h. Of course, this version only has a licence plate and is therefore approved for road use. At 920 watts, the most powerful motorised version, the "R-Pedelec", is no longer even road-legal, but has a top speed of 75 km/h, which can only be ridden on private property. The new Spitzing Evolution is expected to be available from summer 2019 at prices between around €8,000 and €16,500. The older versions M1 Spitzing and M1 Spitzing Plus are still available to buy.

  Wheelie king Bobby Root presents his new Spitzing Evolution at the M1 Sporttechnik stand. The American has been a team rider at M1 since 2016 and is responsible for M1 matters on the American market.Photo: Florentin Vesenbeckh Wheelie king Bobby Root presents his new Spitzing Evolution at the M1 Sporttechnik stand. The American has been a team rider at M1 since 2016 and is responsible for M1 matters on the American market.

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